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Best way to deal with Dodders problem? #875934

Asked July 04, 2024, 2:09 PM EDT

Hello! We are having an issue in our Bog/Wetland area with an infestation of Dodders. This has kind of crept up on us very quickly and we're not sure what the best way to approach it will be. As a small team we could spend likely days if not weeks pulling them all and their infected plants out, but I'm very wary of using any herbicide due to the fragility of the ecosystem as a whole. Accessibility would also be a challenge for picking/spraying as the majority of the infected plants are on water of varying levels. I'm hoping to find a balance between a viable and somewhat efficient solution while also maintaining the ecosystem as best as we can. Thanks in advance for any help/advice!

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Craig, thanks for the question.

Wow, that does look bad.  Controlling this invasive species in a natural environment is going to be a challenge.  Below are some links to some information on the subject.  Contact your local Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA).  They may have information or resources that could direct you to the appropriate contacts.  

Dodder Management Guidelines--UC IPM (ucanr.edu)

https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7496.html

Poverty Grass (umass.edu)

CISMAs: Managing invasive species near you - Oakland County CISMA (oaklandinvasivespecies.org)

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 08, 2024, 9:44 AM EDT

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